Ever since selling Sagra, Nigel Ward has been on the lookout for his next restaurant. The 10-year search has finally come to an end, with Passeggiata opening its bright yellow doors in Waverley, Sydney.

Ward has gone all-in on his new venue, buying the building and overhauling it to create a welcoming space catering for everything from an intimate date night to a raucous group dinner.

“The idea is for sort of a bustling Roman osteria, where there’s just lots of energy in the room,” Ward says.

The name nods to passeggiata – a leisurely evening stroll still observed by many Italians, often in their finest attire. It’s Ward’s invitation for diners to linger and enjoy.

The seasonally driven menu serves up “honest, simple Italian food” with a few surprises thrown in there.

“Fresh pasta and bread is made daily and whole animals are broken down on site,” Ward says.

Snacky plates such as crudo feature on the wine bar-style menu, as well as fresh pastas and proteins. Or for $75, give Ward ‘carta bianca’ to feed you what he will.

“Italian food, theoretically, is about celebrating an ingredient at its perfect place in time and championing local. Italians don’t walk into a restaurant wanting steak, they ask what’s good and trust you.”

The 100 per cent Italian wine list focuses on lesser-known regions and varietals, such as a Pecorino from Abruzzo and a Lacrima from Marche. “We’re not going to have five chiantis and five pinot grigios…” Ward says. “I want people to come in and be like, ‘I don’t know what any of this is.’ We’ll ask what wine they like and if they say a riesling, we’d suggest an Ischia Bianco and start the conversation.”

“There are more than 2500 indigenous grape varietals in Italy and we want to explore them in an approachable way.”

Passegiata is Ward’s dream restaurant, and it’s not just about the food.

“I’m getting old, I want to eat somewhere comfortable but interesting. Chairs will have backs on them and the music won’t be too loud. I just want somewhere to sit around with friends or my wife and family, eat a beautiful meal in a comfortable environment where I feel people are being hospitable,” he says

Passeggiata is now open at 318 Bronte Road, Waverley. For more details or to book, head to passeggiata.net.au.

Related food news: Mona has launched a ladies-only high tea with butler service